Situated
at the west end of Harlan County Reservoir on U.S. 183, Alma offers easy
viewing of snowy white pelicans, geese and ducks on their migratory
flights. The reservoir is Nebraska's second largest lake and lies along
U.S. 136, midway between Nebraska's I-80 and Kansas' I-70. Fishing,
boating, swimming and camping are a way of life here. The town site
of Alma was selected by Mark Coad, NP Cook, and Thomas Murrin, members of
the Cheyenne Colony, in the spring of 1871. It was named in honor of a
daughter of N.P. Cook, Alma Cook. It is the county seat of Harlan County.